Local Lawmakers Evaluate Amtrak Service to Rockford

on
Thursday, March 19, 2015

IDOT:
“project may or may not be terminated”

Springfield… The Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT) issued a response to local lawmakers regarding the
possible future of an Amtrak passenger rail service to Rockford. IDOT stressed
that project stakeholders understand the status of the project and the
possibility that it may or may not be terminated.

“The
availability of funds for this project was falsely advertised. There was no money designated for the
project. It was an outrageous political lie by the prior administration,” said
State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford). “We must proceed cautiously and explore other
means of developing transportation until IDOT determines their current and
future fiscal outlook.”

“I am
disappointed that this project continues to be delayed,” said State
Representative Brian Stewart (R-Freeport). “IDOT confirmed that this project
currently looks doubtful, however I am hopeful that future plans will continue
to develop as we strive to address our States’ current fiscal mess. Until then,
we will just have to wait.”

IDOT
went on to explain that the Governor’s office is committed to turning Illinois
around, but it has to first perform a comprehensive review of all spending and
programs, including major infrastructure projects.

As the
Spokesperson for the Appropriations Public Safety Committee, which appropriates
IDOT, State Representative John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) expressed some
concern for the future of the project.

“It’s
unfortunate that this project continues to be unsuccessful, but the reality is
the funds were never allocated. IDOT is in a difficult fiscal situation and
will have to evaluate its long-term fiscal problems before committing to the
project. I will have a better understanding as I work with Secretary Blakenhorn
to appropriate IDOT’s FY16 Budget. However, we must first and foremost be
stewards to the taxpayers of the state.”

“This is
a project that we all want, and that I think everyone is excited about,” said
State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), “but unfortunately our last Governor
made a promise that he never funded. In light of our state’s current fiscal
condition, it looks like the project will continue to be delayed until suitable
funding can be found.”

The
Amtrak project to Rockford will be reviewed by IDOT and allow for locals to
submit their concerns for the future of the project as they work to evaluate
other projects around the State.